Never assume youth or lack of perceived experience = inability. One of the first big cases I worked on as a newly licensed attorney went into arbitration. The amount in controversy? $5 million. My firm was the defense team. It was a huge case. For months I researched, consulted experts, met with the client, and drafted arbitration summaries with the managing partner of my firm overseeing. I felt honored that I was asked to even be involved considering I was only sworn in a month prior. On the way to the arbitration, the managing partner informed me that I wasn't going to be second chair - I'd be leading the entire thing. Suddenly it got real - the entire weight of this case was resting on my shoulders. Immediately I was flooded with thoughts of fear and insecurity - what if I made my firm/ the client /myself look bad? What if I lost? Sure I knew the case, but was that enough? Walking in, I overheard opposing counsel say on the phone "Oh they have the associate on it and it's her first time." I could tell by the tone what was implied. To say I felt infuriated was an understatement. What was the result of the two day, 8 hours each day, arbitration? The amount in controversy was knocked down to $1.2 million. Roughly 20% of what was originally alleged. Walking out, the client said to my boss "I want to hire her for my house counsel!" To which my boss quickly (and jokingly) declined. Often times, people assume that because someone is younger or doesn't have decades of experience that they will lack the intuition, ambition, and skills to succeed compared to someone that does. This is a mistake. Those who are hungry and dedicated can pick up these skills in a shorter time frame and then spend the next few years honing their craft. I tell my business clients all the time that it's not about how long you've been doing something, but how you are doing it. Don't allow those limiting factors - time, age, experience - to hold you back. And appreciate those who recognize what you have and help elevate you to the next level, even if you yourself can't always see it right away. That's something that the managing partner did for me that day and I am forever thankful for it. #businessattorney #litigation #smallbusinessowner #mindsetmatters
John Lindsey
5mo
Amen! Just ask Caitlin Clark...they said similar things about how she would do and her role in the WNBA given her inexperience and yet there she is...just like you....CRUSHING IT!!! #YouGotThis
Well said my friend. Intuition plays a crucial role in navigating complex situations, often equipping younger professionals with a fresh perspective.
Sherry Underwood
5mo
One of my favorite lines from a song reminds me of your story Alexis F. Johnson "the underdog is hungry, the favorite might fall" (Was Not Was album What's Up Dog).
Jason Holmers
5mo
Shows how dedication can make a big impact.
Elsa Simaan
5mo
Well stated.
Kurt Olson
5mo
Great job of handling that situation.
Zenell Brown
5mo
The Partner had an eye for talent!!
Phillip Edens
5mo
Bet he never made that mistake again!
Pamela DeNeuve
5mo
Thanks for sharing this powerful reminder that sometimes it's not about how long we've been in the game, but how passionately and effectively we play. Kudos to you for stepping up and proving that talent and hard work can make a huge impact, Alexis F. Johnson!
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5moI once heard — one minute you will be too young and the next minute you will be too old. People will say you are too inexperienced to handle the case and then they will say you are over the hill and can’t handle the case. We cannot control our age. We just have to do our best with the skills and competencies we have at that point in our life and let the chips fall where they fall. Good clients recognize talent and want that person on the case, regardless of how long they have been an attorney.